The exploding Samsung Galaxy Note 7 has had its time. Is it the iPhone 7's turn to take center stage? We certainly hope NOT!
Apple and Samsung have been trading blows for some time now, and both companies have brought each other to court on a number of occasions, with most filings involving infringement. Over the past seven years, people have already grown accustomed to some new features from the latest iPhones getting an equivalent on Samsung's handheld offerings and vice versa.
After all, this fierce competition between brands benefits the consumers.
But the iPhone 7's most recent rumored "feature" (some fans allege jokingly that Cupertino copied from the South Korean phone maker yet again) may get people to scratch their heads and question whether this feature trading is even a good idea.
Are Exploding Smartphones Becoming Common?
An iPhone 7 owner by the username of kroopthesnoop recently posted on Reddit and imgur, complaining that his/her device was "running a little hot." A photo of a burnt rose gold iPhone 7 resting against its box was provided. A quick glance at the photograph reveals that the display was separated from the chassis after the device caught fire.
"I'm not certain, but something happened between the factory and delivery," the device owner responded in a probe regarding what happened.
Looking at the burnt device, one can tell the source of the fire seems to be the battery, which was also the culprit causing the Galaxy Note 7 explosions. At the moment of writing, this has so far been the only reported case of an exploding iPhone 7. Apple is yet to comment whether this is an isolated case or if there are other units affected.
Moreover, the validity of the post itself is still in question. But if it's true and it's not an isolated case, then it certainly raises safety concerns. Note that the exploding Note 7 handhelds have caused third-degree burns and even set a family car afire.
A Lookback At Exploding iPhones
Cases of exploding iPhones are not unheard of. In fact, early in August, Tech Times reported that a cyclist suffered third-degree burns after his iPhone 6 exploded.
Gareth Clear, a 36-year-old management consultant, had the device in his back pocket. After falling off his mountain bike, the iPhone ignited, melted his shorts and burned his skin.
"I just saw smoke coming out of my back pocket ... and then all of a sudden I felt this surging pain," said Clear. "I just remember looking at my leg and I had this black discharge all down my leg and this smell of phosphorus."
